Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals - Game 2- 4/29/23 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue a road trip Saturday afternoon for game two of their double header against the Washington Nationals. Pittsburgh comes into Saturday 10 games above .500 after winning four of the last five including two in a row following a four run win over Los Angeles on Thursday. Mitch Keller took the mound for Pittsburgh giving up two runs on five hits across six innings leading to the win. The Pittsburgh bullpen was fantastic giving up number runs on no hits over the final three outs to secure the victory. 

Offensively Pittsburgh did just enough with eight hits and 38 bats including two with runners in scoring position to drive in six total runs. Connor Joe and Rodolfo Castro led the way for the Pittsburgh offense driving in one run apiece. Jack Suwinski added to the Pittsburgh offense with one hit in four at bats to drive in one run, while Bryan Reynolds chipped in two hits to drive in one run as well.

The Washington Nationals return home Saturday six games below .500 after a one run loss to the New York Mets ended a 2 game-winning streak. Trevor Williams got the start for Washington against New York giving up four runs on nine hits across 5 innings leading to a no decision. The Washington bullpen struggled giving up three runs on four hits before Mason Thompson came on to give up two runs on three hits after recording just one out resulting in the loss. 

Offensively Washington struggled with only eight hits and 35 bats including just three with runners in scoring position to leave six men on base. CJ Abrams led the way for the Washington offense with one hit and four at bats including a grand slam to drive in four of the 8 Washington runs. Luis Garcia added one hit and one at bat to drive in two runs, while two other Washington players drove in one run each.